How do I identify Pargasite?

Pargasite can be identified by its hardness of 5 - 6 on the Mohs scale, Light-brown color, Vitreous luster, Monoclinic crystal system. Look for these key characteristics when examining specimens.

What color is Pargasite?

Pargasite typically appears in Light-brown, brown, greenish-brown to dark green, black. Color can vary depending on impurities and formation conditions.

How hard is Pargasite?

Pargasite has a hardness of 5 - 6 on the Mohs scale. This gives it moderate hardness.

Pargasite

A variety of Pargasite Root Name Group

Rare

Pargasite specimen - rock identification

What is Pargasite?

Named after the locality of Pargas, Finland, where the material was first mined, pargasite is usually dark and opaque, although some varieties can be bright and transparent. The green variety with a vibrant sheen is particularly valued by collectors. Its name refers to the individual mineral, as well as the group of pargasite-related minerals.

Uses & Applications

Pargasite is quite attractive in its natural crystalline form, often sold as a decorative object without much cutting and processing. Alternatively, individual crystals can be cut into faceted shapes and used to make unique and highly individual jewelry items.

Healing Properties

Its association with the heart chakra means pargasite may remove negative thoughts and emotions and encourage you to embrace your more loving side. It's said to increase divination and spiritual growth by stimulating spiritual truth and enlightenment. Pargasite may aid recovery from digestive and respiratory disorders and diminish the effects of anxiety.

Optical Properties

Refractive Index: 1.613-1.663
Birefringence: 0.020-0.024
Pleochroism: Orange/brown stones - distinct: colorless to yellow, light brown, brown; Green stones - distinct: greenish-yellow, emerald-green, greenish-blue
Optical Character: Biaxial positive